The Private Lives of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John H. Watson

Chapter 11

I watch as John carries the boxes with his belongings into the living room.

I turn my head away and stare at the bookcase.

"You gonna be alright?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"It's just that you're not very good at taking care of yourself."

I stand and pace to the window.

I was angry.

It was inexplicable yet still so very true.

I clench my teeth before answering.

"In case you have forgotten, I managed to survive for years without you. I doubt you've forgotten the last two."

He clears his throat.

"Right."

"John dear, your taxi is here." Mrs. Hudson says.

I close my eyes.

"I better get my things down then. You gonna help me?" He asks me.

I ignore him.

He sighs and walks down the stairs.

He makes two trips before carrying the last of his things down to the waiting cab.

"Sherlock." Mrs. Hudson says.

"Hmm?"

"Can't you just apologize?"

"He's not leaving because I made him angry, he's leaving because....because he's engaged."

"Engaged? To who?"

"Someone hateful."

"Well what's his name?"

"Mary."

"But that's a woman's name."

"That's it." John says coming back up.

"John. I just can't believe you're leaving. This is your home." Mrs. Hudson sniffs.

"I'll still be around."

I roll my eyes.

Right.

"Sherlock says you're engaged?"

"Yes."

"To a woman?"

"Yes."

"But, well. A woman?"

"Why is that so hard to believe?"

"Well I know you went out on dates with women but they were never anything serious. I just thought you and Sherlock had an open relationship."

"For the last time Mrs. Hudson, Sherlock and I were never a couple."

No.

We weren't.

"Best not to keep John from moving on with his new life." I say.

"Come on, don't be like that. Just because I'm moving out doesn't mean that we won't be friends." He says coming closer.

Friends.

I am finding that word detestable at the moment.

"Quite right." I say turning from the window.

I look at him.

"So, I'll see you later?" He smiles.

My heart clenches painfully.